2023 Kia Sportage Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Kia Sportage, 10% of its 190 total complaints for the year. A related recall (23V531000) covers a faulty Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller. Median mileage at failure is 21,638.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 19
- 10% of 190
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 21,638 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles suddenly lunge or lurch erratically while driving, in one case traced to a transmission failure with metal shards found in the fluid.
- Some owners report the transmission slipping or hesitating when moving from a stop into first gear, occasionally without triggering warning lights or diagnostic codes.
- Several drivers describe sudden loss of motive power or stalling at low speed and during acceleration, sometimes recurring multiple times before the vehicle could be serviced.
- Owners report the engine misfiring, stalling, or shutting off unexpectedly, with the dealer at times attributing this to fuel quality rather than a mechanical defect.
- One complaint ties symptoms directly to the recalled Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump assembly, describing overheating fluid despite Kia stating the specific vehicle was not covered.
- Some owners describe grinding or whining noises from the front end and drivetrain accompanying stalling or hesitation at low speeds.
When 2023 Kia Sportage transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 30, 2022, latest Sep 17, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2023 Kia Sportage
- NHTSA 23V531000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain39,765 vehiclesPark Outside
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pump
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2023 Kia Sportage have?
- NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Sportage, which is 10% of the 190 total complaints filed for the model year.
- Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2023 Kia Sportage?
- Yes. Recall 23V531000, reported July 31, 2023, covers a defective Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller with damaged electrical components; owners are told to park outside until repaired.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2023 Sportage?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 21,638 at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Did any 2023 Sportage transmission complaints involve a crash?
- NHTSA records one crash and zero fires or injuries among the 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Sportage.